How Does Army and Navy Football Work?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic and historic rivalries in American college football. For over a century, the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy) have clashed on the gridiron, with the winner earning the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. But how does this unique football game work? In this article, we’ll break down the history, rules, and traditions that make the Army-Navy Game so special.
History of the Army-Navy Game
The first Army-Navy Game was played in 1890, with Navy emerging victorious 24-0. The game was played annually until 1893, when it was suspended due to a dispute over the rules. The game resumed in 1899 and has been played every year since then, except for 1943-1945 during World War II.
The Game
The Army-Navy Game is played on the second Saturday in December, typically at a neutral site such as Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia or FedExField in Landover, Maryland. The game is played with standard college football rules, with a few exceptions:
- Overtime: If the score is tied at the end of four quarters, the game goes into overtime. The first team to score in overtime wins the game.
- Kicking: In the event of a tie, the game goes into a sudden-death overtime period. The first team to score wins the game.
- Punting: Punting is not allowed in the Army-Navy Game.
The Teams
The Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen are both service academies, meaning that their players are also training to become commissioned officers in the United States military. The teams are made up of talented athletes who are also committed to serving their country.
- Army Black Knights: The Army Black Knights are the athletic teams of the United States Military Academy. The team is led by head coach Jeff Monken, who has been at the helm since 2014.
- Navy Midshipmen: The Navy Midshipmen are the athletic teams of the United States Naval Academy. The team is led by head coach Ken Niumatalolo, who has been at the helm since 2008.
The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy
The winner of the Army-Navy Game earns the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, which is awarded annually to the team that wins the most games against the other two service academies (Army, Navy, and Air Force). The trophy is awarded to the team that wins the most games in a given year, with the Air Force Falcons being the third team in the competition.
Traditions
The Army-Navy Game is steeped in tradition and pageantry. Here are a few of the most notable traditions:
- The Fight Song: Both teams have their own fight song, with Army singing "The Army Goes Rolling Along" and Navy singing "Anchors Aweigh".
- The March-On: Before the game, both teams march onto the field, with Army singing "The Army Goes Rolling Along" and Navy singing "Anchors Aweigh".
- The Coin Toss: The coin toss is a tradition that dates back to 1890. The winning team gets to choose whether to receive the ball or kick off.
- The Game Ball: The game ball is a special ball that is used only for the Army-Navy Game. The ball is inscribed with the words "Army-Navy Game" and is used only for this one game.
The Impact
The Army-Navy Game has a significant impact on both teams and the military community as a whole. Here are a few ways that the game affects the teams and the community:
- Recruitment: The Army-Navy Game is a major recruiting tool for both teams. The game showcases the talent and dedication of the players, and helps to attract top recruits to the service academies.
- Esprit de Corps: The game helps to build esprit de corps among the players, coaches, and fans. The rivalry between the two teams creates a sense of camaraderie and pride among the teams and their supporters.
- Charity: The Army-Navy Game is a major charity event, with both teams and the game organizers raising money for various charitable causes.
Conclusion
The Army-Navy Game is a unique and special event that brings together two of the most prestigious service academies in the country. The game is a celebration of military service, athletic competition, and tradition. Whether you’re a fan of Army or Navy, the game is an event that is not to be missed.
